Category: Healthy Wellness

Even Eugene… Travel Wellness on your terms

Guestrooms are spacious

Travel wellness at a chain hotel? Yes, indeed. The Even Eugene opened January 2018. It’s the first of its kind on the west coast and there are only seven others in the world. Based on guest feedback the Even chain was created to focus on wellness travel.

Eugene welcomes this unique, quirky, casual, retro-meets-modern minimalist property. Its “wellness on my terms” orientation fits perfectly into the local culture and attitude.

The 100 guestrooms are roomy and each includes its own fitness area. Even rooms are designed to meet goals of wellness-oriented travelers. People who don’t want their fitness-oriented lifestyle derailed when on the road.

Enter on the ground level, and just past the conference rooms… you’re

Living wall in entry hall

greeted with a floor-to-ceiling living wall. You can’t help but touch it to assure those plants are real. Light, clean, minimalist, sort of Scandinavian in feel.

Take the elevator to the 2nd floor and you find a spacious lobby/reception area. The check-in desk is also minimal. More of a kiosk than a traditional imposing counter.

And then you notice the quirky sayings stenciled on the walls. “Don’t think of them as stairs…they’re little hurdles.” “Stay hydrated… stay well.” And leading to the patio…”Come on out… the nature’s fine.” You’ll find them throughout the hotel including your room.

This place does not take itself too seriously and will make you smile with its humor. Certainly not your traditional, stuffy, boring business hotel. Even the staff’s business cards have non-traditional titles. You’ll meet the “Chief Wellness Officer” and “Accomplish More Manager.”

Open, welcoming & you’re in charge of travel wellness choices

The floor plan is very open and flowing. You move from reception to the

Open floor plan invites you

24/7 grab and go food and beverage area. Chose healthy or decadent. Or drift on into the restaurant, bar and computer area. Convenient power and internet access invite work, conferencing or just relaxing. Big screen televisions offer diversion, but quietly enough not to be distracting.

The commitment to wellness extends to the multi-zone 1000 square-foot workout studio. Don’t be

Workout studio for guests… and staff

surprised to see staff working out with you. Wellness and fitness are encouraged. The general manager leads weekly workouts. His assistant takes guests on runs through Alton-Baker Park’s extensive paths.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep the most serious fitness fiend busy. But this is wellness your way. You can choose a fresh smoothie, healthy frittata… or go for an egg and Canadian bacon sandwich.

Wind down with a healthy version of cobb or go for an all-natural burger or

How to Destress…Escape to Wellbeing in Beautiful Yorkshire

Embark on world-class wellness in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire

Swinton Park for wellbeing escapes

countryside. Swinton Park is a sprawling 200-acre park that focuses on nature to enhance your wellbeing. Here you’ll find space to breathe, relax and revitalize. Have an adventure, hike the high rolling hills or wander next to a gently flowing stream.

Stay in a yurt, log cabin or self-catering cottage. Or live like royalty at the gothic styled, ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton. Get pampered in the ambiance of a genteel country home.

Wellbeing activities abound…

Fish in pristine streams… rent a bicycle… ride the ponies… or watch falconry, the sport of kings. Visit their walled gardens, one of the largest in Europe. Try your hand at shooting, or wander in the nearby market town of Masham.

Walk, hike, or cycle. There are over 63 miles of footpaths and bridle paths in the park and beyond. With 20,000 acres of the private estate, you’ll never be bored. Explore the farmlands, moors, rivers, forests, and reservoirs. Or the concierge can arrange a car or motorcycle tour if that’s more to your liking.

It’s a great home base to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park and

River Ure Tranquility

the numerous quaint villages and nearby castles. Here, far from the crowds, it’s easy to imagine yourself in an earlier century. Here the pace of life is slower, more leisurely. Even the roads are narrower, encouraging you to slow down.

Stop for the view, meander down a path to view enchanting waterfalls. Tea shops, pubs, and farmer’s markets invite you to pause and browse. From high escarpments to country lanes where the main traffic is free roaming sheep, you’ll find something unique at every turn.

Experiences abound indoors and out to restore your mind, body, and spirit.

Nourish wellbeing with farm-to-table food.

Choices abound. Savor fine dining at Samuel’s Restaurant. Relax with something more casual at the Terrace Restaurant and Bar. Collect a custom picnic for your day out. Maybe you have a private event in mind. Regardless, you’ll find the food is always amazing.

You’ll enjoy the freshest produce from their garden and the peak of the season’s offerings. Meat, fish, and poultry direct from the estate. All raised with natural sustainable techniques. Swinton Park specializes in earth-friendly practices for the healthiest farming possible. They care for nature so nature can care for you.

Their cooking school events run continuously and offer something for every age and taste. Both guests and visitors are welcome to sign up for a half-day, full day, or weekend cooking experience. You’ll go home with ideas and tips that will make cooking fun and a delight for the palette.

Make time for the spa!

The new state-of-the-art spa, built to bring nature indoors, opened in

Swinton park restorative wellness pools

July 2017. From the latest in therapy treatments to unique experience rooms, nothing has been spared for your ultimate restoration. Light, air, and water surround you. Though soaring windows, nature’s healing powers comfort you.

Whether your goal is rejuvenation, restoration or fitness, the Spa will exceed your expectations. It blends seamlessly into the historic architecture. At the same time, it reaches out in a modern way to embrace nature and draw it in. Both indoor and outdoor pools invite you to relax. Lounges poolside and on the covered and heated terrace beckon you, year around. Thick snuggly blankets are handy if there is a chill.

The aroma steam room, salt steam room, and Finish sauna will help detoxify and boost your immune system. Or visit with friends around the fire pit of the alfresco sauna.

The eight quiet treatment rooms and skilled therapists will have you feeling renewed… but don’t rush away. Post-treatment downtime is available in the relaxation room, restful niches, or sleep room with heated waterbeds. Complete peace is yours for the having.

Wellbeing retreats

Escape for a day and enjoy the wellbeing programs or private bodywork sessions. Or slip away and join one of their ongoing wellness retreats. Swinton Park offers both guests and the locals numerous packages choices.

Come alone, or come with friends. Immerse yourself in world-class wellness in the heart of Yorkshire.

Explore wellbeing now…

To explore all of your options for a fabulous wellbeing adventure visit http://hotel.swintonestate.com/. Booking direct will always give you the best value. Direct booking is also the way to access all their unique experience offerings.

Rudding Park Spa Embraces Nature for Wellness

who come to soak in the restorative waters while they enjoy nature’s healing balm. You’ll find it on the outskirts of the historic spa town of Harrogate. Since Victorian days, the area has drawn visitors with its mineral springs and many beautiful parks. Here they walked, visited, soaked and drank the waters.

The elegant Regency style sandstone manor has long been a popular destination for golf, weddings and holidays. This spring it unveiled its newest expansion, The Spa. It has quickly become the place to escape for guests and locals.

Few spas can claim fully booked days in less than two months. Spa memberships have already been capped and have a wait list. The Spa accomplished both of these and there is good reason for its swift popularity.

Hotel guests can access the exquisite indoor pool, sauna and bucket shower. Those who want to enjoy all that the spa has to offer schedule for treatments or packages. Limiting the number of the packages offered for a full day, morning afternoon or evening means an enhanced experience for guests and a well-being work environment for staff.

The Spa’s mission: “Wellness of mind, body, and soul.”

Every aspect is state of the art… in a peaceful and serene environment. It seamlessly blends amazing cutting-edge experiences into the relaxing historic setting.

Handpicked staff offer the highest quality of service. You’ll drift off into

Couples room with copper bath, courtesy Rudding Park.

bliss as skilled therapists work their magic in your bespoke (custom) treatment. But facials, body treatments, massage and more are only part of the experience.

Rudding Park infinity pool courtesy Rudding Park

Enjoy pools for swimming, pools for hydrotherapy, indoors or outdoors, it’s your choice to take advantage of any or all. Lounge in a steam room or you can relax in the panoramic sauna or herbal steam bath. And, don’t miss the ice shower or tropical rainforest thermal experiences. Each works to restore and soothe your senses.

Step outside the spa to the rooftop garden complete with its own pools, sauna, shower and sun deck. Skies, gardens and ancient trees surround you. Quiet, peaceful. It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

But Rudding Park Spa has even more to offer…

Take time to discover the unique mind and sense zones. Each room offers its own sensory experience so you can savor one or explore your way through all of them.

The video wall treats your gaze to picturesque landscapes. Lounge in the
Visual room at Rudding Park Spa transports you to tranquil vistas.

oversize rattan swing and soak up scenes of waves lapping on beaches, wildflower meadows, and expansive mountain vistas. Enjoy it alone or relax with friends.

In the relax room you’ll find silence and serene lighting. Unwind as you recline on a sleek comfortable lounge – it’s the perfect place to find peace.

In the audio room, snuggle into a quiet niche. Listen to meditation or
Enjoy meditation or relaxing music while you snuggle into a private niche at Rudding Park Spa

soothing sound tracks on your own personal headphones.

The mind room offers a unique setting to stimulate your awareness. Coloring books, puzzles, and books from their spa library allow you to settle and center alone or chill with friends.

Don’t forget your sense of taste…

Many of the spa packages include a welcome beverage and a snack. But should you fancy something a bit more substantial, tasty delights await you at Horto Restaurant. Horto’s name, referring to horticulture, gives you hints as to its kitchen garden inspiration.

Situated right next to the spa reception area, Horto, with its own wall of

Horto amazing fruit salad pudding. Photo, Judith Culp Pearson

windows, is casual and inviting. During the day, you are welcome in your robe, no need to change. Simply wander over and enjoy the fresh garden, farm to table choices that will please your pallet. This is not the time to skip the Puddings either… they’re amazing!

Plan your escape…

The entire property encourages you to disconnect from your hectic routine from the moment you enter. Go leisurely. Enjoy, savor, de-stress, relax, and enhance your entire well-being. That’s what Rudding Park and The Spa are all about. Because spa packages do sell out, book early to get your preferred dates and the experiences that have you daydreaming. Weekends can be particularly busy.

For the latest in their specials and offerings visit www.ruddingpark.co.uk/offers/. Choose from the Sleeping Beauty Spa Break, Spa and Horto, Escape with Me or Time for 2 and more. So many choices. Plan now for your own unique, personal escape.

Cave Castle for Weddings and more

Cave Castle Hotel & Country Club

Girls in the East Riding of Yorkshire all know of Cave Castle Hotel. It is a favorite place to have your fairytale wedding. Large or intimate they can help the bride make her wedding day dreams come true. But they also offer a lot more…

Set in the midst of 150 acres of meadows and park lands it is absolutely

Cave Castle Pond and Geese

stunning. A beautifully groomed golf course drapes around the manor like a cape. Across the drive, the pond fed by a natural spring used to be the main water source for the villagers. Now, with its resident geese, it is entertainment for the visitors. Children and adults alike enjoy their antics and quest for bread.

Cave Castle Manor

The current building was erected in the 1870s on the foundations of a previous structure. The history is a bit obscure but has tracked to the Domesday book of the 11th century. The entrance to an underground tunnel that leads to the chapel hints at the lost stories.

Today guests enjoy the Victorian manor house built in the Gothic Revival

Cave Castle 4-Poster Bedroom

Style. It is complete with crenelated towers. Despite the “cannons” at the entry, it was never designed as a fortification. Inside it is a luxurious haven for relaxation and comfort.

Locals love it for social and business events small and large. They partner extensively with the local community and can meet a broad spectrum of desires.

Our guide Emma & Judi

Our hostess, Emma shared with us the fascinating building and its history. She was a wealth of knowledge on all it offers to guests. The spa, health club, golf course, country club all await both guests and locals. Cave Castle has made great efforts to tie itself into local life both as a social and business venue.

Year around events….

Emma keeps busy creating all the fun events at Cave Castle. Besides the daily activities, you’ll find lots more. Murder mysteries, concerts, and many special wedding events. There are also themed holiday events. For a quirky bit of fun, join them in December for “A Christmas Killing” murder mystery event.

Coming from the US, I was intrigued with the history. George Washington’s grandfather used to live at Cave Castle. He was a partial owner before he emigrated to America. A portrait of our first president still hangs in the house.

Both the cafe and the restaurant have first-class food. The cafe is more

Cave Castle Restaurant has views across the green park lands.

casual and the restaurant offers fine dining. If you stop by the cafe for a bit of lunch or a coffee, don’t miss their desserts. They are made on-site and are divine.

Local sourced, fresh daily gourmet treats. The restaurant draws visitors for miles. Choose from the A La Carte menu or table d’hote menu which changes daily.

Cave Castle sandwich with 2 saladsLovely Cappuccinos

Cave Castle hospitality attracts not only resident guests but local patrons alike. The golf club, fitness center and spa all provide opportunities for health, wellness and relaxation.

If you are ever in East Yorkshire, be sure to put this on your bucket list. Whether you are looking for a

Yummy dessert

golf retreat, spa retreat, romantic escape, or a fine dinner, this is the place to be.

7 Unique Eugene Tours

Eugene Bike paths tour along the Willamette River provide miles of easy entertainment

There are no shortage of things to see and do in Eugene. I’ve created a pdf map that has different activity tours you might enjoy based on your interests. From parks, events, adventure, the arts and the quirky, it’s all here.

Tour the University

This tour will help you explore all the University of Oregon campus and neighborhood have to offer.

Tour and play in the parks

This is your guide to the diversity of the Eugene Parks. Most activities here are kid and pet-friendly, but you need to know the one place not to take your dog.

Downtown Shopping tour

Highlights of great spots to visit with your girlfriends. Between the highlighted spots you’ll no doubt discover many additional favorites.

234 Reasons to be here on Saturday

This is THE place to visit on Saturday and you won’t want to miss it.

Eugene Ale Trail tour

If you’re a beer lover you’ll want to experience this ultimate pub crawl before you die. It’s a not to be missed exploration.

In the past, brides, as well as grooms, have celebrated their upcoming nuptials with a weekend away partying. But with the growing focus on health and wellness millennial brides are opting for something more low key. A de-stressing bachelorette spa wellness retreat.

If you’re a bride or know a bride, it’s a great way to arrive at the wedding, relaxed, pampered and calm.

It might be just you and your bridesmaids or include some of your best friends. It’s a time to enjoy each other’s company and bond. Find somewhere local or pick a destination location.

Make it personal and include activities you and your friends enjoy.

Spa treatments

Massage

Facials

Manicures

Pedicures

Yoga together

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Horseback riding

Water sports

Skiing

Local walking tour

Personal fitness advice

Cooking class

Wine tasting

If fitness is a goal, find somewhere that offers healthy food choices that taste decadent. If the spa you want to visit isn’t in a hotel, is there a nice one nearby that meets those needs? It’s great to keep the group together for the best bonding and fun.

Some hotel resorts offer a great wedding location. They may also offer a package that will allow you and the girls to arrive a few days early. You can have your bachelorette spa retreat on-site. You will feel pampered, rested and relaxed for your magical day.

Their event planner can assist you with all the details and support services you will need.

2) Schedule time to move between flights.

Instead of racing from one flight to another, consider giving yourself a little more time. Walk the airport, explore, make use of the yoga room to stretch and rebalance. All airports have places to walk, more are adding gyms, quiet rooms and massage.

3) Check your destination hotel.

Look for those that feature healthy lifestyle choices. Fitness facilities, access to bicycles, walking paths, yoga and more. Increasingly properties are making healthy food choices available. Don’t see what you are looking for on their website? Call them and ask questions to see if they can accommodate your needs. If not, are there restaurants or grocers nearby that feature organic, seasonal local?

Use internet search engines to help you plan. Find healthy choice restaurants and grocers near where you will be staying. Keep a list of those who meet your specific preferences.

4) Locate the nearest farmer’s market.

5) Ship it ahead.

Consider shipping your own care package of non-perishable foods ahead of time. On arrival, collect the package at the hotel’s business office.

6) Schedule your travel to include time dedicated to your fitness activities.

Don’t let a tight schedule prevent you from a morning walk or time at the gym.

7) Opt for in-room fitness.

Incorporate exercise

Many savvy travelers carry lightweight packable devices like stretch bands. These plus normal in-room furniture allow them to get an exercise routine in. This is a bonus if the weather is inclement or the hotel’s fitness center gets high use. Some hotels also have fitness tools available for in-room use including DVD workouts.

8) Skip the elevators… take the stairs.

If you are staying at a larger property, select a floor that coincides with your fitness level. Then instead of standing around waiting for the elevator, take those stairs.

9) Track your fitness goals.

If you don’t have a personal activity device, there are free applications you can download on your smartphone. Most can track your distance, steps, kcal, time spent and movement speed. Some can be set up with alerts and reminders.

10) Relaxation time.

Relaxation and focused breathing is a proven way to

Time to relax

destress. Work stress, travel stress, too much technology stress. All benefit from dedicated time to relax. Yoga, meditation, and massage are recognized “safety valves” to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. Schedule some into your trip and renew.

With a little preparation and planning, your next trip can be a wellness fitness trip. You’ll feel better, be more alert, have more energy and come home rejuvenated.

DeStress your love with a deposit secret…

comes to special occasions. I read recently that the day after Valentine’s day is the one where many relationships start to crumble.

The message went that if the guy doesn’t remember the gal up to some sort of “standard,” he fails. The woman may start looking around for someone else.

Sorry ladies, I think this is just sad, sad, sad. Relationships are two-way streets. We have to interact and support each other.

Keep making deposits…

Think of relationships like a checking account. You have to keep making deposits to assure good cash flow. Both parties do. But there is no manual that teaches us this. So we just use up what is there and then start to struggle.

For a relationship that is healthy in body, mind, and spirit, we need to use our brains and make regular deposits. It may sound corny, but it invites the other person to make deposits too.

Making regular deposits keeps the love happening

It’s not rocket science.

Why guys struggle

Why do guys tend to drag their feet at say taking us out for Valentine’s Day, or an anniversary or birthday? If your guy is like most of the fellows I’ve met, there are some clear clues.

Number one – failure. He doesn’t want to disappoint. No guy wants to fail, especially with his lady. Just like us, they need positives. They need to feel successful.

Number two – don’t dump all the dinner decision responsibility on his shoulders. Guys hate it when we don’t help them out. How many of us respond to “Where do you want to go?” with “Oh, I don’t care.” Wrong.

Number three – he really doesn’t want to have to get gussied up. While we may like to put on special outfits, most guys have their own “comfort zone” that may not include a suit and tie. Even if he wants to go comfy doesn’t mean he will mind at all if you want to wear something a little special.

Some men enjoy “fine” dining. Most see it as posturing and positioning. They would rather have great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Somewhere they feel comfortable and not pressured.

Help your guy out – it’s win-win

We could make life so much easier. We could take the fear out of special occasions. We could remind them why they are the winner who chose us.

How? Well, there are a couple of ways to approach it. First, you probably know their ultimate food fantasy favorite place. Suggest it! There are a couple of them in my hometown of Eugene, OR.

Cornucopia with its 8oz and 16oz burgers comes to mind. (Oh, yes, they do

Courtesy Cornucopia

have salads and other “girl” foods or vegan if you prefer.) Casual, friendly, fabulous food. Relax over beer or wine while they custom prepare that grill to your specifications. Make it even better by going with friends.

You could surprise them and make a reservation there…. Or you could suggest it. “How about we go to Cornucopia for Valentine’s day?” A sincere smile and a wink or a kiss on the cheek. But you must be absolutely honest and comfortable with this.

If you aren’t sincere in your offer, you are better not making it. He will know in a heartbeat. You will be making a big withdrawal instead of a deposit.

What guy wouldn’t jump at going out for an OTT decadent hamburger or nice thick steak at the local steakhouse?

You have taken him off the hook. You have avoided all the negatives. You have reminded him why he chose you. Now go have fun!

But what about your favorite spot that he likes, but isn’t as crazy about?

Couple courtesy CoolProgeny

Well you could have lunch there with a girlfriend (never a bad idea.) Or over desert… while he feels sated from all that protein … Use your girlish wiles. You remember the early days of your relationship. Remind Him. Flirt a little and suggest your favorite spot one of these days.

You are making a deposit in your joint bank, your love account, and inviting him to do the same. Practice regular deposits into your account and enjoy the rewards.